Uganda Parliament to Revive Training Institute with German Assistance

The Parliament of Uganda is poised to relaunch the Institute of Parliamentary Studies (IPS), a move strongly backed by the German Parliament. Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth announced the revival of the institute, emphasizing its role in expanding the expertise of legislators and parliamentary staff.

The IPS, initially established in 2012, provided specialized training before its closure in 2021. Its functions were subsequently absorbed by the Corporate Planning and Strategy Department. The relaunched institute is envisioned as a central hub for training, research, and capacity building.

Under a planned Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Germany, the institute will benefit from cooperation and technical support from the German Parliament. This partnership is expected to facilitate learning and adoption of best practices in parliamentary operations, as well as strengthen parliamentary diplomacy.

The proposed MOU will also enable parliamentary exchanges and study visits between Uganda and Germany. These exchanges will allow Ugandan MPs and staff to gain insights into German parliamentary processes, promoting comparative learning and aiding in the modernization of legislative work. The collaboration is also set to extend to joint engagements on trade, humanitarian assistance, human rights, and governance.

German Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Sigrid Sommer, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the mutual benefits of such exchanges. She confirmed that German experts would provide support for training programs at the IPS, focusing on targeted thematic areas. Both nations anticipate that the re-establishment of the IPS will usher in a new era of enhanced parliamentary cooperation and shared strategic interests.

Source: Parliament of Uganda